Most Common Household Toxins

[Guest guest]

http://drbenkim.com/articles-household-toxins.htm

Most

Common Household Toxins

By Ben

Kim, D.C.

Exposure

to household toxins is linked to just about every disease that we know of, most

notably cancer

<http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/91014907/ABSTRACT>.

Numerous

animal studies have linked many of the more than 24,000 toxins that exist in

our environment to negative health effects on the following systems:

* Cardiovascular

* Nervous

* Endocrine

* Respiratory

* Reproductive

* Immune

Many

household toxins have also been linked to mental and physical developmental

problems in children.

Because

we are unable to feel, see, smell, or taste many household toxins at first

contact, it is important to be aware of the most common household toxins and to

proactively take measures to prevent or reduce our exposure to them.

The

most common household toxins are as follows:

1.

*Triclosan:* an antibacterial agent that is chemically similar to the dioxin

class of compounds.

*Linked to:* immune system dysfunction.

*Most

commonly found in:* many liquid soaps and in some deodorants, toothpastes,

cosmetics, kitchenware, and children's toys.

2.

*Phthalates**:* large phthalates are chemicals that are added to plastics to

impart resilience and flexibility. Smaller phthalates are used to prolong the

length of time that a scented product maintains its fragrance.

*Linked to:* endocrine, reproductive,

and developmental problems.

*Most

commonly found in:* vinyl flooring, plastic food packaging, plastic bags,

plastic clothing, detergents, children's toys, shower curtains, and personal

care products like soap, shampoo, nail polish, and hair spray.

3.

*Bisphenol A:** *used in epoxy resins that line some metal cans, and to make

polycarbonate plastics utilized in a variety of food containers and baby

products.

*Linked to: *endocrine problems.

*Most

commonly found in:* food and drink containers, baby bottles, teethers, toys,

metal food cans, and dental sealants used to prevent cavities.

4.

*Carbon monoxide:* formed from incomplete combustion of fuel.

Carbon

monoxide decreases delivery of oxygen to cells.

*Linked to:* cardiovascular and nervous

system failure.

*Most

commonly produced by:* leaking furnaces and chimneys, gas stoves, wood stoves

and fireplaces, back-drafting from gas water heaters, and auto exhaust from an

attached garage or nearby traffic.

5.

*Perfluorinated chemicals:* used to make stain-repellents and non-stick

surfaces.

*Linked to:* many different types of

cancer and developmental problems in children.

*Most

commonly found in:* teflon-coated cookware, microwave popcorn bags, and

stain-guarded clothing, furniture, and carpets.

6.

*Volatile organic compounds (VOCs):* chemicals that are released into the air

as gases.

*Linked to:* reproductive, respiratory,

neurological, and developmental problems. Also linked to

different types of cancer.

*Most

commonly found in:* air fresheners, hair spray, perfumes, cleaning products,

paints, carpets, and furniture made out of pressed wood.

7.

*Radon:* odorless gas that forms as uranium in rocks and soil breaks down.

*Linked to:* lung cancer.

*Most

commonly found in:* confined spaces, the most common of which are poorly

ventilated basements that have cracked walls and/or floors.

8.

*Lead:* a heavy metal that can build up in our tissues.

*Linked to:* cancer, neurological

dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and

developmental problems in children.

*Most

commonly found in:* lead plumbing pipes found in older homes, lead-based paint,

crystal tableware, and some varieties of imported mini-blinds.

9.

*Pesticides and herbicides:* linked to problems with the nervous system, and

possibly a risk factor for cancer, developmental challenges, and reproductive

problems.

*Most commonly found in:* non-organic

food supply, non-organic farming regions, and non-organic

landscaped areas that are well maintained.

Although

we are all at risk of experiencing health problems due to exposure to the

household toxins listed above, particularly worrisome are the effects that

these toxins may have on babies growing in their mothers' wombs.

A study

conducted in 2004 by the Environmental Working Group

<http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/execsumm.php>

found that umbilical cord blood from 10 newborns contained chemicals used in consumer

products, pesticides, and by-products from gasoline, garbage, and the burning

of coal.

On

average, the blood from each newborn contained 200 industrial pollutants and

chemicals. Of the 287 toxins that were found in the newborns' blood, 180 are

known to cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are known to be toxic to the

brain and nervous system, and 208 are known to cause birth defects or abnormal

development in animal tests.

I think

it's import not to become obsessed with living in a way that minimizes exposure

to household and other toxins. I firmly believe that such an obsession can

quite possibly becoome an emotional stressor tha creates more of a negative

impact on our health than toxins themselves.

Still,

within the context of living emotionally balanced lives, we can significantly

lower our risk of developing many different types of chronic disease by doing

our best to avoid the most common sources of the toxins listed in this article.

 

*Copyright

1997-2005 by Ben Kim*

The

contents of this website are the opinions of Dr. Ben Kim unless otherwise

noted. The information on this website is not intended as personalized medical

advice and is not intended to replace the relationship that you have with your

primary care provider. Any decisions you make with regard to your daily choices

and medical treatments should be made with the help of a qualified health care

provider.

 

Radiating

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE & Truth

To

ALL who share our circle – our universe, our love, our trust.

May

I always be found worthy.

 

Gratitude

& Thankfulness to All of Us

a

SoaringHawk

 

Look at everything as

though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on

earth will be filled with joy & glory.